Former Global Crossing CEO to Launch Air Flo, Featuring Airbus A220s

A few weeks after his resignation as Chairman and CEO of U.S. operator Global Crossing Airlines, Ed Wegel reported plans to launch Air Flo, a new carrier featuring Airbus A220 aircraft.

Wegel said the airline would have an "Air Florida narrowbody route network." Air Florida was a Miami-based budget carrier that operated in the 1970s and 1980s. The airline initially served destinations within Florida before adding flights across North America. The airline utilized various aircraft, including single-aisle Boeing planes and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, before ceasing operations in 1984. 

Avi8 Air Capital, a company Wegel founded and led, developed a plan for launching Air Flo. The firm provides financial services to clients across the aviation sector.

Avi8 Air Capital stated the following about its services on its website:

"Avi8 partners with companies at critical inflection points and provides capital, strategic and operational support to create value. AVi8 supports companies that seek to take advantage of market opportunities, are looking to enter markets, make acquisitions, or implement other changes that will lead to improved profitability and long-term growth. AVi8 enables our partner companies to execute financial and operating plans."

Funding

Wegel stated that a seed round was secured under a fundraising effort and a “major aviation-focused investment bank” was involved. The specifics about the route network and fleet composition are not yet detailed. However, Wegel praised the Airbus A220 as the “finest narrowbody aircraft ever constructed.” Japanese aviation design studio Lift Aero Design will work on the cabin's livery, branding, uniform, and cabin design.

Lift Aero Design has a detailed curation for branding, livery, cabin, and uniform design while structuring customer experience development. They have offices in Tokyo and Singapore and have a global reach and strong relationships with various clients.

Finally, Wegel said regarding the establishment of Air Flo: 

"Pleased to announce the launch of Air Flo, an Airbus A220 operator, with a seed round secured and design and branding led by LIFT Aero. AVi8 has developed the plan and will be overseeing the certification -aircraft acquisition led by Tailwinds Aviation. Major aviation-focused investment bank retained for the big raise. Best narrowbody aircraft ever built."